Asheville police officer claims cover-up

Published: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 7:41 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 7:41 a.m.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — An Asheville police lieutenant says Police Chief William Anderson tried to "coerce" him into making false statements about a wreck involving the chief's son.

Lt. William Wilke met with reporters Tuesday to make a statement about the March 9 wreck and what he says happened after the accident.

Wilke says Anderson and a captain tried to convince Wilke to submit a false and misleading report about the accident.

Chad Anderson was driving his father's car when the wreck occurred. Indictments say Anderson left the scene and gave false statements to police. He's been charged with two felonies.

Asheville police referred questions to public information officer Dawa Hitch who said officials are still gathering information about Wilke's allegations.

Wilke says he's sent a formal complaint to City manager Gary Jackson and said Jackson has failed to act on the complaint.

Jackson said he notified Wilke in writing Friday that the complaint would be investigated.

"It is erroneous to suggest that action was not taken in response to the complaint," Jackson said. "We take every employee grievance and complaint of this nature seriously and investigate it and learn what we can about the facts and make due findings and corrective action if necessary."

Jackson said he has appointed deputy city manager Jeff Richardson to lead the review.

Jackson would not talk about the allegations in Wilke's complaint.

Wilke has been with the Asheville Police Department since 2000.

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